Vehicle identification, tracking and enforcement system

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring and tracking vehicles in parking locations, public roadways and highway entrances and exits and other public vehicle access areas is provided, such as to monitor and track vehicles in parking spaces, public roadways and highways without the need for parking or traffic personnel. The system includes a meter system that generates image data of a vehicle in a parking space, public roadway and highway entrances and exits such as by creating an array of pixel data in a predetermined field of view that includes a vehicle identification tag and facial imaging. An enforcement and tracking system receives the image data and generates a vehicle license number, vehicle tag identification number and facial image from the image data, such as by analyzing the image data to identify the vehicle license number, vehicle tag identification number and facial image based on the expected location of the license tag, identification tag and field of view image data characteristics of the license tag, facial image or other suitable data. From the image data acquired, monitoring of parking spaces is performed and violation citations or notices are generated for errant vehicles in parking locations as well as notification to law enforcement and homeland security agencies of vehicles and facial images identified as being on a watch list.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application60/319,939, entitled “Vehicle Identification, Tracking and ParkingEnforcement System—VITAPES,” Edward D. Ioli, applicant, filed on ______,and which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to vehicle tracking and parkingenforcement, and more specifically to a system for vehicle tracking andparking enforcement that generates vehicle identification data andtracks vehicles using the vehicle identification data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parking meter systems are known in the art. Such parking meter systemsgenerally use cellular telephones or other devices to allow a user topay for parking, and may also alert the user when additional funds arerequired to pay for an additional parking interval. Nevertheless, if themeter expires and the vehicle is still parked, parking enforcementpersonnel must be present to place a ticket on the vehicle for a parkingviolation. Likewise, if the vehicle leaves the parking space and a newvehicle parks in the meter while time is still present on the meter,then the new vehicle occupant gets a “free ride” on the parking tollpaid by the previous user. Thus, prior art systems require significantenforcement resources and also result in lost potential revenue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system for vehicleidentification, tracking and parking enforcement is provided that can beused to decrease parking enforcement costs and increase revenuegeneration.

In particular, a system for vehicle identification, tracking and parkingenforcement is provided that allows vehicles to be tracked so as toallow parking enforcement personnel or jurisdictional vehicle parkingviolation ticket issuing systems to be notified when a vehicle ispresent that should be ticketed.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, asystem for monitoring parking is provided, such as to monitor vehiclesin parking spaces without the need for parking enforcement personnel.The system includes a meter system that generates image data of avehicle in a parking space, such as by creating an array of pixel datain a predetermined field of view that includes a vehicle identificationtag. An enforcement and tracking system receives the image data, andextracts a digitized form of the vehicle license number from the imagedata, such as by analyzing the image data to identify the vehiclelicense number based on the expected location of the license tag, imagedata characteristics of the license tag, or other suitable data.

The present invention provides many important technical advantages. Oneimportant technical advantage of the present invention is a system forvehicle identification, monitoring, and parking enforcement that allowsvehicles to be identified and tracked without operator involvement.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages andsuperior features of the invention together with other important aspectsthereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunctionwith the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for vehicle identification, tracking andparking enforcement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system for resetting a parking meter inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for monitoring violations in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a system for providing watch list functions inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system for determining a jurisdiction forproviding an alert to in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system for providing tag identification data inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a system for providing video monitoring inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method for performing vehicle identification,tracking and parking enforcement in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a method for providing notification data toauthorities of the presence of a perpetrator in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring parking areas inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for generating video data from one ormore meter systems or monitor systems in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description that follows like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals,respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale andcertain features may be shown in somewhat generalized or schematic formin the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system 100 for vehicle identification, trackingand parking enforcement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. System 100 allows vehicles to be identified andtracked for parking administration and law enforcement withoutsignificant personnel intervention.

System 100 includes meter system 102, monitor system 104, lawenforcement dispatcher 106, meter reset system 108, watch list system110, vehicle identification system 112, violation system 114,jurisdiction system 116, and video monitoring system 118, each of whichcan be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable combination ofhardware and software. In one exemplary embodiment, meter system 102 caninclude a coin-operated parking meter with image capture, data storage,data processing, and communications functionality. Likewise, monitorsystem 104 can be coordinated for use with existing meter systems 102and can provide image capture, data storage, data processing, andcommunications functionality. Monitor system 104 can provide thefunctions of a parking meter but can be adapted not to receive coins orother payment, such as where monitor system 104 is used with parkingmetering systems that are based solely on vehicle identification tags orother vehicle identification.

Enforcement and tracking system 100 and its associated systems can beimplemented in software on a general purpose server platform, such as ina central location to coordinate the activities of a plurality of metersystems 102 and monitor systems 104. Each meter system 102 and monitorsystem 104 can be coupled to enforcement and tracking system 100 via thepublic switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network, a fiberoptic network, suitable wireless or wireline signaling, infraredsignaling, intermediary devices such as hand-held polling systems orcellular devices with wireless communications to an enforcement andtracking system 100 server, or other suitable systems or processes. Forexample, polling system 120 can be a hand-held device carried by parkingenforcement personnel that is used to poll meter system 102 or monitorsystem 104, and which collects data from either meter system 102 ormonitor system 104, and which provides the data to system 100 and itsassociated systems.

Law enforcement dispatcher 106 can be an existing law enforcementdispatcher system that receives alert data and provides notificationdata to a dispatch operator for use in notifying law enforcementpersonnel. In one exemplary embodiment, law enforcement dispatcher 106can include an enforcement and tracking system interface 122. In anotherexemplary embodiment, system 100 can provide data to law enforcementdispatcher 106 in a data format that is compatible with that alreadyused by law enforcement dispatcher 106.

Meter system 102 can capture the image data of a vehicle after thevehicle has parked in a parking area. In one exemplary embodiment,weight sensors, metal sensors, image data, heat sensors, motion sensors,or other suitable sensors can be used to activate meter system 102 togenerate image data. In another exemplary embodiment, meter system 102can continuously generate and analyze image data, and can initiatetracking of a vehicle that is parked in a parking area, such as bydetermining that a vehicle has remained stationary in the parking areafor a pre-determined period of time based on image analysis. Metersystem 102 can also receive coins, banknotes, credit cards, or othersuitable payment, such that a period of time associated with the amountof payment received can be displayed by the meter.

Monitor system 104 can provide monitor functions similar to thoseprovided by meter system 102, with the exception that receipt of coinageor other payment types does not need to be provided by monitor system104. In this exemplary embodiment, monitor system 104 can be used tominimize the risk of vandalism or other damaging attacks that may becommitted to retrieve the coinage or other payment stored in monitorsystem 104. Non coinage collecting “posts” can also used to identify andtrack vehicles entering or leaving highways and non-coinage collectionparking spaces.

Meter reset system 108 receives meter data from meter system 102 andgenerates meter reset data. In one exemplary embodiment, the meter datareceived from meter system 102 can include automobile arrival data,automobile departure data, meter time data, or other suitable data.Meter reset system 108 can reset meter system 102 after a vehicle hasleft a parking area, such as where an amount of time remains on metersystem 102. In this exemplary embodiment, a user can pay for parking ina parking area for a period of time at a meter system 102, but mayutilize the parking area for less than the full period of time. Meterreset system 108 resets meter system 102 so that a subsequent usercannot park in the parking area controlled by meter system 102 and thusact as a “free rider” on the previously paid meter toll. Likewise, meterreset system 108 can be implemented as part of meter system 102, such aswhere meter system 102 includes data processing and other suitablefunctions.

Watch list system 110 receives watch list data and determines whether avehicle parked in a parking area that is monitored by meter system 102or monitor system 104 is on the watch list. In one exemplary embodiment,watch list system 110 can interface with law enforcement databases,“Amber Alert” databases, homeland security databases, or other suitabledatabases, and can be periodically updated to provide a list of vehicleidentification data for which the vehicle, driver, occupants, or otherpersons associated with the vehicle are being sought.

Vehicle identification system 112 receives image data from meter system102 and identifies license tag data, handicap identification tag data,reserved (permit) parking area tag data and other suitable tag data fromthe image data. In one exemplary embodiment, vehicle identificationsystem 112 can be implemented in conjunction with meter system 102, suchas where meter system 102 includes suitable data processing and storagefunctions to perform tag identification functions. Vehicleidentification system 112 can also identify vehicles based onpre-determined allowable outlines or shapes of vehicles, and can lookfor tag data in pre-determined locations where tag data is expected, toprevent spurious identification of bumper stickers or other data as tagdata. Likewise, vehicle identification system 112 can use distinctivefeatures of license tags, handicap tags, or other suitable tags as keysto locate the vehicle identification number, can receive radio frequencyID tag data, barcode data, or other suitable tag identification data.Notification data can also be generated and transmitted or otherwiseprovided to the authorities if vehicle identification system 112 isunable to identify license plate or identification tag data from thevehicle.

Violation system 114 determines whether a parking violation or otherviolation has occurred. In one exemplary embodiment, violation system114 receives data from meter system 102 and determines whether theamount of time that has been paid for has been exceeded. In anotherexemplary embodiment, violation system 114 can alert a user of animpending violation, such as where the user has registered a phonenumber or other suitable address at which the user can be contacted.Likewise, violation system 114 can receive data from vehicleidentification system 112, such as to determine whether anon-handicapped person is parking in a parking area that has beenreserved for handicapped persons, whether an unauthorized person isparking in a parking area that has been reserved for predeterminedvehicles, or whether other violations have occurred. Likewise, violationsystem 114 can be used to determine when a violation has occurred bysomebody parking in a parking area during a time period when parking isnot allowed, such as during rush hours, overnight, or at otherinappropriate times.

Jurisdiction system 116 receives location data from meter system 102 ormonitor system 104 and jurisdiction data from watch list system 110, andprovides notification data to a suitable jurisdiction when a match witha watch list system 110 is identified. In one exemplary embodiment,watch list system 110 can include severity level indicators regardingthe severity level of the violation for which the vehicle is on thewatch list. For example, if a violent felon has been sighted driving avehicle and the vehicle identification number has been placed on thewatch list, watch list system 110 can indicate that the driver of thevehicle should be approached with caution and the level of force thatshould be used if necessary. Jurisdiction system 116 can receive thiswatch list data and can generate suitable notification data toappropriate jurisdictions, such as state authorities, federalauthorities, city authorities, county authorities, homeland securityauthorities, Amber Alert authorities, or other suitable authorities.

Video monitoring system 118 allows video monitoring to be performed bymeter system 102 and monitor system 104. In one exemplary embodiment,meter system 102 and monitor system 104 can generate video data or asequence of images that approximate video data and can transmit theimage data for storage by video monitoring system 118 in a centralizedlocation. Likewise, video monitoring system 118 can be implemented atmeter system 102 or monitor system 104, such as by using apre-determined amount of memory for storing a loop of video data in apre-determined area, or other suitable functions. Video monitoringsystem 118 can provide additional video data processing, such as toextract license tag data, facial image data, or other suitable data, tocompare facial image data with a facial image database to determinewhether the facial image data matches stored facial image data, and canperform other suitable functions.

In operation, system 100 allows parking areas to be monitored to aid inparking revenue collection and enforcement, and also in law enforcementactivities. System 100 aids in parking revenue and enforcement byensuring that all parking violations are detected and fined, and byallowing meters to be reset so as to avoid free riders or other lossesof revenue sources. System 100 also allows law enforcement activities tobe supported by helping to identify vehicles that are under suspicion orthat may have occupants that are sought by law enforcement agencies, andby notifying appropriate authorities in a real-time environment. In thismanner, system 100 not only generates additional revenue but alsoprovides for improved law enforcement activities.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system 200 for resetting a parking meter inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System200 includes meter reset system 108 and timer system 202, space monitorsystem 204, notification system 206, and billing system 208, each ofwhich can be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitablecombination of hardware and software, and which can be one or moresoftware systems operating on a general purpose processing platform.

Timer system 202 generates timer data for a parking meter based on anamount of money that has been provided, such as by depositing the moneyat the meter. In one exemplary embodiment, timer system 202 can beactivated upon collection of coinage, banknotes, entry of an amount froma keypad after entry of a credit card, or other suitable processesincluding electronic payment through wireless communication. Likewise,timer system 202 can track the amount of time that a vehicle is parkedin an area, such as where the vehicle uses a radio frequency ID tag,driver's license tag ID data, or other suitable processes for assessingparking charges to the vehicle. Timer system 202 can also generate timerexpiration data, such as where timer system 202 is used to track theamount of time based on payment made at the meter, and can generatetotal time data such as for systems where the total amount of time thata vehicle is parked in an area is used to assess parking charges.

Space monitor system 204 monitors one or more parking spaces andgenerates space occupation data. In one exemplary embodiment, spacemonitor system 204 can use sound waves, metal sensors, weight sensors,lasers, image data, or other suitable processes to determine whether aparking space has a vehicle parked in it. For example, if image data isused, image data of a parking space can be generated and the image datacan be analyzed to determine whether a vehicle is present in the space.Space monitor system 204 can generate timer initiation data, timertermination data, tag identification system initiation data, or othersuitable data.

In one exemplary embodiment, notification system 206 generatesnotification data when an amount of time on a parking meter has expiredor is about to expire. In this exemplary embodiment, notification system206 can notify parking enforcement personnel or other suitable systemsthat a meter has expired and that a violation has occurred. In anotherexemplary embodiment, notification system 206 can notify a user who hasregistered with the system of the impending expiration of their meter,thus to allow the user to return to the meter and provide additionalcoins or currency, to authorize payment of an additional time incrementusing a cell phone, a credit card or other suitable processes. Thenotification time period can also be programmable, such as to allow theuser to adjust the time he or she needs to refill the meter based on themethod he or she will use to pay (e.g., if the user is far way from theparking spot and plans on paying cash for the parking spot, he or shewould need a reasonable notification time to reach the meter inquestion). Notification system 206 can allow the user to adjust thenotification time based on the user's need at that specific time.

Billing system 208 receives parking time data and performs billingprocesses. In one exemplary embodiment, billing system 208 can receivevehicle identification data and time data for the vehicle if a vehicleremained in a parking area and can assess charges against a credit card,bank account, credit balance, or other suitable systems to charge thevehicle for parking charges. Likewise, billing system 208 can handlecurrency payment and coinage, banknotes, or other suitable processes.

In operation, system 200 allows a meter system 102, monitor system 104,or other suitable systems to be operated and reset, so as to prevent theopportunity for parkers to get a free ride based on parking fees paid byothers, so as to allow parkers to be notified of impending parkingviolations and to allow them to pay additional funds or take alternatesteps, or to perform other suitable processes.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system 300 for monitoring violations inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System300 includes violation system 114 and violation notification system 302,polling response system 304, and violation warning system 306, each ofwhich can be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitablecombination of hardware and software, and which can be one or moresoftware systems operating on a general purpose processing platform.

Violation notification system 302 generates violation notification dataupon receipt of violation data from a timer system 202, space monitorsystem 204, or other suitable systems. In one exemplary embodiment,violation notification system 302 can generate a parking violation fortransmittal to the registered owner of a vehicle, such as a ticket thatrequires payment or other suitable notifications. In another exemplaryembodiment, violation notification system 302 can generate and transmitnotification data to parking enforcement personnel, so as to allow theparking enforcement personnel to travel to the vehicle, verify that itis in violation, and write a ticket, or perform other suitableprocedures.

Polling response system 304 provides polling response data to parkingenforcement personnel or other suitable systems. In one exemplaryembodiment, parking enforcement personnel can carry a polling unit thatemits infrared radiation, radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, orother suitable signals and which queries the parking meters for parkingviolation data. Polling response system 304 can then generate responsedata that notifies the parking enforcement personnel that the currentvehicle in the parking area has incurred a violation, that a vehiclethat is no longer in the area has incurred a violation, or othersuitable polling response data. Likewise, polling response system 304can interface with watch list system 110 or other suitable systems andcan notify law enforcement or parking enforcement personnel that theoperator or owner of the vehicle may be wanted for other violations,that additional armed assistance may be required for apprehension of theowner, or other suitable responses.

Violation warning system 306 generates violation warning data to a user.In one exemplary embodiment, violation warning system 306 can contact auser at a registered cell phone number or other suitable numbers and cannotify the user of an impending violation. Likewise, violation warningsystem 306 can notify a user that a violation has occurred and can givethe user a pre-determined period of time to correct the situation byproviding additional currency, an opportunity to phone in and providingadditional payment information, or time to perform other suitableprocesses so as to avoid a violation. Likewise, if it is determined thata user has not previously violated a parking regulation for apre-determined period of time, violation warning system 306 can generatewarning data to notify the user that they would have received aviolation and that they will receive one the next time a violationoccurs. Likewise, other suitable processes can be used.

In operation, system 300 allows violations for parking infractions to begenerated and monitored so as to insure that any person incurring aparking violation is issued a violation or a warning. System 300 alsoallows parking enforcement personnel to readily determine the status ofa meter so as to wirelessly obtain data from the meter regarding currentand previous packers or users so as to allow the parking enforcementpersonnel to verify that a violation has occurred and issue citationswhere needed. System 300 can be used in a “batch” mode, such as wheredata is collected and processed periodically, in a “real-time” mode,where data is continuously collected and processed, in a suitablecombination of batch and real-time processing, or in other suitablemanners.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a system 400 for providing watch list functionsin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.System 400 includes watch list system 110 and watch list update system402, tag comparison system 404, perpetrator alert system 406, andvehicle tracking system 408, each of which may be implemented inhardware, software, or a suitable combination of hardware and softwarewhich may be one or more software systems operating on a general purposeprocessing platform.

Watch list update system 402 provides watch list update functionalityfor updating a watch list of vehicle tag numbers or other suitableidentification data for tracking vehicles for which violation of parkingregulations or other losses occur. In one exemplary embodiment, watchlist update system 402 periodically interfaces with watch list systemson law enforcement agencies or other suitable sources to obtain updatedvehicle identification data. For example, a vehicle owner having pastdue parking violations or other infractions may make payments on suchinfractions, and it may be necessary to update the watch list on anhourly or daily basis so as to minimize the amount of time spentdetaining persons who have already satisfied their obligations.Likewise, systems such as the Amber Alert system, homeland securitysystems, or other suitable systems may require frequent updating. In oneexemplary embodiment, watch list update system 402 can both poll and bepolled, such that an active update can be performed where needed by somesystems and where watch list update system 402 can obtain updates on aperiodic basis from other systems.

Tag comparison system 404 receives vehicle identification tag data orother suitable identification data such as radio frequency ID tag dataor barcode data and compares that data to watch list data. In oneexemplary embodiment, tag comparison system 404 can request additionalconfirmation of tag ID when conflicting data is obtained, such as whenfirst tag comparison indicates that a vehicle is present in a firstlocation and a second tag comparison indicates that the same vehicle ispresent in a second location that would not have been accessible to thesame vehicle within the time period between observations.

Perpetrator alert system 406 generates perpetrator alerts based on theresults of tag comparison system 404. In one exemplary embodiment, tagcomparison system 404 may indicate that a parking violation perpetratoris present, and perpetrator alert system 406 can generate a suitablealert, such as to alert the parking municipality personnel of thelocation of the perpetrator. Likewise, if a law enforcement databaseindicates that a violent criminal or other suitable perpetrator ofgreater significance is present, perpetrator alert system 406 can notifythe suitable personnel who can apprehend and deal appropriately withsuch violent criminals or terrorists, or other persons.

Vehicle tracking system 408 allows vehicle identification data andvehicle location data to be tracked, such as to allow the path of avehicle to be determined, an estimated destination to be determined, orother suitable data to be determined. Vehicle tracking system 408 canstore vehicle identification data, physical location data, time dataassociated with the location at which the vehicle was tracked, and othersuitable data. Vehicle tracking system 408 can further provide estimatedlocation data, such as by determining a rate of travel, time since alast tracking event, and possible roads that the tracked vehicle couldhave taken.

In operation, system 400 allows vehicle identification data to bemonitored and compared against lists of vehicles that are wanted by lawenforcement personnel. System 400 thus allows speedy apprehension ofperpetrators of parking regulations, felony laws, misdemeanor laws, orother suitable laws based on identification of such persons in parkinglocations.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system 500 for determining a jurisdiction forproviding an alert to in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. System 500 includes jurisdiction system 116 and AmberAlert system 502, state jurisdiction system 504, and federaljurisdiction system 506, each of which can be implemented in hardware,software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and whichcan be one or more software systems operating on a general purposeprocessing platform.

Amber Alert system 502 interfaces with one or more Amber Alert systemsand generates Amber Alert notification data based upon vehicleidentification data received from the amber alert systems. In oneexemplary embodiment, an Amber Alert notification may be generated whena child is abducted, and can include a vehicle tag number, vehicle make,vehicle color, abductor information, or other identifying data. In thisexemplary embodiment, meter system 102 or monitor system 104 providethis additional data to aid in the location of the abductor or abductedchild. Likewise, video monitoring system 118 or other suitable systemscan be activated by Amber Alert system 502 in the vicinity of where anabduction has occurred, such as to obtain image data of the perpetratorprior to the commission the abduction, to obtain image data to locatethe perpetrator after commission of the abduction, or other suitabledata.

State jurisdiction system 504 generates notification data for state lawenforcement personnel for violations of state law. In one exemplaryembodiment, state jurisdiction system 504 can include countyjurisdiction systems, city jurisdiction systems, or other suitablesystems that alert the appropriate law enforcement personnel based onthe jurisdiction where the vehicle data is obtained. For example, ifmeter system 102 or monitor system 104 is located in a municipality,then the dispatcher for that municipality can be alerted if theinfraction is one that can be handled by law enforcement personnel fromthe municipality. Otherwise, state jurisdiction system 504 can notifythe state, county, municipality, or other authorities, so that suchauthorities can work in concert to apprehend the perpetrator.

Federal jurisdiction system 506 generates federal jurisdiction alertdata, such as for matters of national security, homeland security, DrugEnforcement Agency matters, FBI matters, CIA matters, or other suitabledata. In one exemplary embodiment, the data in federal jurisdictionsystem 506 can be controlled or encrypted, such as to limit access tothe data to authorized personnel. In this exemplary embodiment, federaljurisdiction system 506 can be hosted in a secure location, and canreceive notification data and generate suitable confirmation data toallow system 100 to confirm that the alert has been received. Likewise,other suitable processes can be performed.

In operation, system 500 allows appropriate authorities to be notifiedin the event that a perpetrator has been identified from a watch list.System 500 helps to reduce the number of false alarms or notificationsto personnel who are unable to provide assistance in detaining aperpetrator, and also ensures that the security of the variousdispatcher systems or other notification systems is maintained so as toprevent such systems from being compromised.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system 600 for providing tag identificationdata in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. System 600 includes vehicle identification system 112 andlicense tag identification system 602, handicap tag identificationsystem 604, handicap tag comparison system 606, and reserved tagidentification system 608, each of which can be implemented in hardware,software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, operatingon a general purpose processing platform.

License tag identification system 602 receives image data and identifieslicense tag data from the image data. In one exemplary embodiment,license tag identification system 602 can use image analysis techniquesto quickly identify license tags, such as based on characteristics oflicense tags, the location of the license tag data within a frame, orother suitable processes.

Handicap tag identification system 604 receives image data anddetermines whether a handicap tag is present. In one exemplaryembodiment, a handicap tag may be hung from a rear view mirror, placedon a dashboard, or otherwise disclosed in a vehicle in a non-uniformmanner. The handicap tag can have a characteristic color, symbol, orother data that can be readily identified through image analysis.Handicap tag identification system 604 readily identifies whether ahandicap tag is present, such as when image data is transmitted from aparking area that is reserved for handicapped persons.

Handicap tag comparison system 606 receives license tag data andcompares the license tag data to a list of approved handicap licensetags or performs other suitable functions. In this exemplary embodiment,handicap tag owners can be required to register the license tag of theirvehicle, such as at a website or when they obtain their license tag,such that the failure to have registered at the website can result ingeneration of a parking violation. Likewise, registration of the licensetag can be performed by the medical personnel that assess whether anindividual is handicapped or other suitable personnel. In addition,where handicap tags are not associated to a specific license platenumber, handicap tag comparison system 606 can allow handicapped personsto register the current tag of the vehicle they are in, such as by usinga dial-in interactive voice response system or other suitable processes.

Reserved tag identification system 608 determines whether a vehicleparking in a parking area has a tag, decal, or is otherwise designatedas being authorized to park in a reserved area. In one exemplaryembodiment, a list of license tags can be pre-registered that areauthorized to park in the reserved parking areas. Likewise, a radiofrequency ID tag, barcode decal, a tag having a pre-determined color orlocation on the vehicle, or other suitable features can be used toquickly identify tags for reserved areas and to verify whether parkingin the area constitutes a parking infraction. Reserve tag identificationsystem 608 can also interface with violation warning system 306,notification system 206, or other suitable systems so as to notify aperson that they have parked in an inappropriate area and to allow themto move before generating an infraction.

In operation, system 600 allows license tags, special parking permits,handicap tags, or other suitable tags to be readily identified, so as toallow parking areas that have been reserved for handicapped or otherpersonnel to be monitored to determine when unauthorized individualshave parked in those locations.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a system 700 for providing video monitoring inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System700 includes video monitoring system 118 and video loop system 702,monitoring activation system 704, monitoring freeze system 706, andfacial image system 708, each of which can be implemented in hardware,software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and whichcan be one or more software systems operating on a general purposeprocessing platform.

Video loop system 702 generates a loop of video data for apre-determined period of time. In one exemplary embodiment, video loopsystem 702 can continuously loop video data from a pre-determined areaby generating real-time video, a pre-determined number of video stillframes during a period of time, or other suitable video loop data. Videoloop system 702 can also receive data to stop recording, to mark aperiod, to change the frame generation rate, or to perform othersuitable functions.

Monitoring activation system 704 receives monitoring activation data andcauses video loop system 702 to begin monitoring at a pre-determinedtime. In this exemplary embodiment, monitoring activation system 704 cancause video loop system 702 to increase the frequency of image datageneration, decrease the frequency of image data generation, tore-direct video loop system 702 to observe pre-determined locations, orto perform other suitable functions.

Monitoring freeze system 706 generates data that causes video loopsystem 702 to stop looping data or otherwise erasing data that may be ofinterest to law enforcement personnel. In one exemplary embodiment,monitoring freeze system 706 can cause all video monitoring devicesassociated with meter systems 102 and monitor systems 104 to stoprecording additional data in the area where a crime has occurred, so asto prevent the destruction of data that may be useful in solving thecrime.

Facial image system 708 receives image data, extracts facial image data,and can search a database of facial image data to determine whether amatch has occurred. In one exemplary embodiment, facial image system 708can extract facial image data of a vehicle occupant, a pedestrian, orother suitable persons, and can search the facial image database toidentify the facial image data. In another exemplary embodiment, thefacial image data can be provided to jurisdiction system 116 for use bylaw enforcement officers or other suitable personnel.

In operation, system 700 allows meter systems 102, monitor systems 104or other suitable systems that have image data generation capability toincrease, decrease, stop, start, or otherwise change the rate of videodata generation and capture. In this manner, system 700 allows imagedata to be generated and gathered for rapid identification andapprehension of perpetrators.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method 800 for performing vehicleidentification, tracking and parking enforcement in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 800 allowsvehicles to be tracked and identified as they park in parking areas orenter predetermined locations so as to ensure that parking violationsare detected, to increase parking revenue generation, to track vehiclesof interest, and to perform other suitable processes.

Method 800 begins at 802 where vehicle presence data is received. In oneexemplary embodiment, vehicle presence data can be received using aweight sensor, metal sensor, laser reflection data, image data, motionsensors, or in other suitable manners. The method then proceeds to 804.

At 804, image data is captured of a pre-determined area that is known tohave license tag data or other suitable vehicle identification data.Likewise, radio frequency tag data can be acquired, barcode data can beacquired, or other suitable data can be acquired. The method thenproceeds to 806.

At 806, it is determined whether a vehicle ID tag has been located inthe image data. In one exemplary embodiment, the image data can beanalyzed to detect a vehicle ID tag. If it is determined at 806 that nosuitable vehicle ID tag has been located, the method returns to 804where image data is again captured, such as after adjustments have beenmade to the field of view, focus, or other parameters. Likewise, if avehicle ID tag is located at 806, it can be checked against a databaseof vehicle ID tag data to determine whether the vehicle ID tag is anactual vehicle ID tag and has not been misread from a bumper sticker orother sources of text data. After a vehicle ID tag is located, themethod proceeds to 808.

At 808, the vehicle ID tag data is compared to a watch list of vehicleID tags for which various parking violations or other violations mayexist. In one exemplary embodiment, the watch list can be used to detectparking violations, parole violations, escaped felons, for homelandsecurity purposes, or for other suitable purposes. The method thenproceeds to 810.

At 810, it is determined whether the vehicle ID tag was located on thewatch list. If it is determined that the vehicle ID tag was located onthe watch list, the method proceeds to 812 where notification data isgenerated. In one exemplary embodiment, additional processes can beperformed to generate notification data for appropriate law enforcementpersonnel. If it is determined at 810 that the vehicle ID tag is not onthe watch list, the method proceeds to 814.

At 814, it is determined whether the parking area in which the vehicleis located is a handicap space, a reserved space, or other controlledspace. If it is determined that the parking area is a controlled space,the method proceeds to 818 where the vehicle ID tag is compared to alist of vehicles that have authorization for parking in such controlledspaces. If no such list is present or if a match is not found, themethod proceeds to 820 where it is determined whether a special tag ispresent, such as by analyzing the image data to locate a pre-determinedtag identifying a handicapped parking permit, a reserved parking permit,receiving radio frequency tag data, or other suitable data. The methodthen proceeds to 822. Likewise, it if is determined that the parkingarea is not a handicap or reserved space at 814, then the methodproceeds to 816 where the meter is monitored to determine whether thetime is expired. The method then proceeds to 822.

At 822, it is determined whether a violation has occurred, such aswhether the parking area is a handicap or a reserved space and if thetag is not on a list of authorized vehicles for such spaces, whether asuitable authorization tag has not been detected, whether the time onthe meter has expired, or whether other suitable conditions exist. If itis determined at 822 that a violation has occurred, the method proceedsto 824 where violation notification data is generated, such as to notifyparking enforcement personnel, law enforcement personnel, or othersuitable personnel, to generate a violation record that will betransmitted to owner of record of the vehicle, or other suitableprocesses. Likewise, if it is determined at 822 that a violation has notoccurred, the method proceeds to 826.

At 826, it is determined whether the vehicle has left the parking area.If it is determined that the vehicle has left the parking area, themethod proceeds to 828 and the meter is reset. Otherwise, the methodreturns to 816 where the meter is monitored to determine whether thetime has expired.

In operation, method 800 allows parking areas to be monitored todetermine whether a parking violation has occurred, such as whether avehicle is parked in an area beyond a time for which parking has beenpaid, whether the vehicle is parked in an area at a time when parking isnot permitted, whether the vehicle parking in the parking area is notauthorized to park because the area is for handicapped persons or isreserved, or whether other violations have occurred. Method 800 thusallows parking violations and other violations to be detected and citedand does not require parking enforcement personnel to be present toobserve the violation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a method 900 for providing notification data toauthorities of the presence of a perpetrator in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 900 begins at 902where watch list notification is received. In one exemplary embodiment,the watch list notification identify a perpetrator, the perpetrator'svehicle, the crime for which the perpetrator has been arraigned, orother suitable data. The method then proceeds to 904.

At 904, the jurisdiction of the perpetrator is determined, such as basedon the location of the parking meter, the crime for which theperpetrator has been arraigned, or other suitable data. For example, ifit is determined that the watch list notification has been transmittedto the incorrect dispatcher, then jurisdiction correction data can beprovided. The method then proceeds to 906.

At 906, the urgency of the notification is determined based on the crimefor which the perpetrator has been arraigned, or other suitable data,such as the length of time the perpetrator has been at large, theseverity of the crime for which the perpetrator has been arraigned, orother suitable data. The method then proceeds to 908.

At 908, a dispatcher is determined, such as a county dispatcher, a statedispatcher, a city dispatcher, a federal dispatcher, or other suitabledispatchers. The method then proceeds to 910 where notification data istransmitted to the dispatcher. For example, the notification data can betransmitted using a dedicated notification interface, using standard lawenforcement protocols, or in other suitable manners. The method thenproceeds to 912.

At 912, it is determined whether notice has been confirmed. In oneexemplary embodiment, the dispatcher can be required to confirm thatnotice has been received to prevent re-transmission of the notification.If it is determined at 912, that the notice has been confirmed, themethod proceeds to 914 and terminates. Otherwise, the method proceeds to916 where it is determined whether the wrong jurisdiction has beenprovided with the notice. In one exemplary embodiment, the dispatchercan determine whether the wrong jurisdiction has been identified.Likewise, if no response is received to the notice within apre-determined period of time, then the jurisdictional analysis can beperformed locally or in other suitable manners. If it is determined at916 that the wrong jurisdiction was identified, the method proceeds to918 where the jurisdiction is updated and the notice is transmitted tothe proper jurisdiction. The method then returns to 904. Otherwise, themethod proceeds to 920.

At 920, it determines whether the watch list data was incorrect. Forexample, if a watch list data was issued for a perpetrator who hasrecently been apprehended or has resolved the violation, then the methodproceeds to 922 where the watch list data is updated. Otherwise, themethod return to 910 and the notification is re-transmitted to thedispatcher, such as with an indication that no response had beenreceived to the notification. Likewise, suitable upgrade procedures canbe used, such as where notification is transmitted to a police officer,an investigator, or other suitable personnel.

In operation, method 900 allows law enforcement personnel to be notifiedwhen data is obtained from vehicle identification system that indicatesthat a perpetrator or person wanted for commission of a crime is presentin a location. Method 900 allows appropriate personnel to be notified,such as where the perpetrator may be violent or armed, and also allowsranking of the severity of the response so as apply appropriateresources to the apprehension of perpetrators.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 for metering parking areas inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method1000 begins at 1002 where image data is generated. In one exemplaryembodiment, the image data can include image data for one or moreparking locations, or other suitable image data. The method thenproceeds to 1004.

At 1004, vehicle ID data is isolated, such as by analyzing image data toidentify pre-determined lettering types, images, locations, or othersuitable processes. The method then proceeds to 1006.

At 1006, it is determined whether payment has been made, such as whethercoins or banknotes have been inserted into a meter, whether a creditcard or other suitable payment device has been used to pay for a parkingtime allotment or other suitable processes have been performed. If it isdetermined at 1006 that payment has not been made, the method proceedsto 1012. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 1008 where a timer isinitiated and the method proceeds to 1010.

At 1010, it is determined whether the timer has expired. If the timerhas not expired, the method loops until timer expiration occurs. Thenthe method proceeds 1012.

At 1012, it is determined whether a payment account is on file. In oneexemplary embodiment, a payment account can be used and associated witha vehicle license number so that parking charges for a vehicle can bepaid for without providing coinage, banknotes, or otherwise prepaying atan area. If it is determined that a payment account is on file, themethod proceeds to 1014 where the account is charged. Otherwise, themethod proceeds to 1016.

At 1016, it is determined whether notification data is on file. In oneexemplary embodiment, notification data can include a cell phone number,a pager number, an email address, short message service and instantmessage address, or other suitable notification data that allows theoperator of the vehicle to be notified that a pending violation is aboutto occur. If it is determined that notification data is on file, themethod proceeds to 1018 where a notification, warning, request forapproval to pay for additional time, or other suitable data istransmitted to the user. For example, if the operator of the vehicle hasstored payment data, such as a credit card number or ACH data, thenpayment for the additional time can be used. Likewise, if there is abalance on a credit account or other suitable sources of payment, thepayment can be pre-authorized, authorized upon receipt of approval, orother processes can be used. Likewise, the user can be notified of thepending violations so the user can decide whether or not to remain orleave the parking area. The method then returns to 1006.

If it is determined that at 1016 that a notification number is not onfile, the method proceeds to 1020 where violation is generated andstored. In one exemplary embodiment, the violation data can be generatedand stored locally at the parking meter. The method then proceeds to1022.

At 1022, it is determined whether a poll has been received. In oneexemplary embodiment, a poll can be received by or from parkingenforcement personnel who poll meters as they approach using an infrareddevice, radio frequency device, or other suitable devices. In thismanner, if no parking violations have occurred, the parking enforcementpersonnel can remain in their vehicle and continue to travel whilesearching for vehicles that have violations. If poll is not received at1022, the method returns to 1002. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 1024where violation data is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, theviolation data can allow the parking enforcement personnel to determinewhether the perpetrator is still located in the parking area, thusallowing the parking enforcement personnel to verify that a violationhas occurred and to issue a ticket. Likewise, the violation data canidentify that the vehicle is no longer present, thus allowing theparking enforcement personnel to provide the violation data to a centraldatabase for generation of a violation notice for mailing to the addressof the vehicle owner or to perform other suitable functions. Further, ifthe violating vehicle has departed the parking space, notification on areal-time basis to a jurisdictional parking violation ticket issuingsystem can take place in lieu of polling by parking enforcementpersonnel.

In operation, method 1000 allows a parking meter to operate in astandalone mode such as where the meter is periodically polled orperiodically transmits data to a centralized server as opposed to beingin real-time communication with such a server. Method 1000 thus allowsparking enforcement personnel to verify parking infractions, such aswhere verification is required by local ordinances or other legalguidelines.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method 1100 for generating video data fromone or more meter systems 102 or monitor systems 104 in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 1100 begins at1102 where video data is generated. In one exemplary embodiment, thevideo data can be generated in real-time, based on a pre-determinednumber of frames per second so as to provide limited video capability,can be generated in an adjustable number of frames per second, or can beprovided in other suitable processes. The method then proceeds to 1104.

At 1104, it is determined whether the video data is to be downloaded,such as by transmitting the video data to a server, a data storagedevice, or other suitable processes. If it is determined that 1104 thatthe video data is to be downloaded, the method proceeds to 1106 wherethe video data is transmitted to a server, a data storage device, orother suitable areas. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 1108 where thedata storage is looped. In one exemplary embodiment, data storage loopcan be performed over a pre-determined period of time, such as every twohours, every four hours, or in other suitable period so as to allow theamount of data storage to be coordinated with the ability of lawenforcement personnel to generate notification data for tracking ofperpetrators or for other suitable purposes. The method then proceeds to1110.

AT 1110, it is determined whether monitor activation has been received.In one exemplary embodiment, the monitor activation can includeactivation for starting a period of monitoring so as to maximize theamount of time from an initiation point that video data can be stored,and can also include frames per second data or other suitable data foridentifying the resolution of the video data, for directing the videomonitor in a pre-determined direction, or in other suitable processes.If it is determined that monitor activation has been received at 1110,the method proceeds to 1112 where the data storage is reset and themonitor activation data parameters are implemented. Otherwise, themethod proceeds to 1114.

At 1114, it is determined whether monitor freeze data has been received.In one exemplary embodiment, monitor freeze data can be received to keepa record of video data that has been recorded after a crime has beencommitted so as to retain evidence that may be useful in identifying aperpetrator or locating the location of a perpetrator. If it isdetermined at 1114 that monitor freeze data has been received, themethod proceeds to 1116 where the data storage for the video data isfrozen. Otherwise, the method returns to 1102.

In operation, method 1100 allows meter systems 102, monitor systems 104,or other suitable systems to be used to provide video data for use inlaw enforcement activities. Method 1100 allows such monitor systems tobe reset to begin tracking data, such as when a perpetrator is believedto be entering an area, can be used to stop overwriting or looping ofmonitor data, such as where it is believed that a perpetrator has passedthrough an area or committed a crime in an area, or other suitableprocesses can be performed.

Although exemplary embodiments of a system and method of the presentinvention have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the artwill also recognize that various substitutions and modifications can bemade to the systems and methods without departing from the scope andspirit of the appended claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for monitoring vehicular activitycomprising: receiving one set of image data of a plurality of vehiclesentering or leaving a highway; extracting identifying feature data fromthe image data; determining whether radio frequency ID tag data has beenreceived; requesting confirmation of vehicle identification tag datafrom a watch list using the identifying feature data if radio frequencyID tag data has not been received; assessing a first charge against afirst account if the radio frequency ID tag data has been received; andassessing a second charge against a second account if the radiofrequency ID tag data has not been received or confirmation of thevehicle identification tag data has not been received from the watchlist.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein extracting the identifyingfeature data from the image data comprises extracting the vehicleidentification tag data of a single vehicle.
 23. The method of claim 21wherein assessing the first charge against the first account if theradio frequency ID tag data has been received comprises assessing thefirst charge against a payment account associated with the vehicleidentification tag data.
 24. The method of claim 21 wherein assessingthe second charge against the second account if the radio frequency IDtag data has not been received or confirmation of the vehicleidentification tag data has not been received from the watch listcomprises mailing a notice to an address associated with an owner of avehicle associated with the vehicle identification tag data.
 25. Themethod of claim 21 further comprising: determining whether additionalfunds are required for the first account; determining whether a userassociated with the first account has authorized payment of theadditional funds; and paying the additional funds into the first accountif the user associated with the first account has authorized the paymentof the additional funds.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein paying theadditional funds into the first account if the user associated with thefirst account has authorized the payment of the additional fundscomprises paying the additional funds into the first account from acredit card account if the user associated with the first account hasauthorized the payment of the additional funds
 27. The method of claim24 further comprising: receiving payment in response to the mailednotice; and processing the payment to indicate that the second chargehas been paid.
 28. A system for monitoring vehicular activitycomprising: a monitoring system for receiving a single set of image dataof a plurality of vehicles entering or leaving a highway and generatingvehicle feature data from the image data; a radio frequency devicereader for reading a radio frequency identification device; a tagcomparison system for determining whether a vehicle identification tagor a radio frequency identification device is present on one of theplurality of vehicles; and a billing system for assessing a charge basedon the vehicle identification tag or the radio frequency identificationdevice.
 29. The system of claim 28 wherein the tag comparison system isfor determining whether the vehicle identification tag is associatedwith the radio frequency identification device if the vehicleidentification tag is extracted from the image data and no radiofrequency identification device is detected.
 30. The system of claim 28wherein the billing system is for assessing a first charge if thevehicle identification tag is detected and the radio frequencyidentification device is not detected.
 31. The system of claim 28wherein the billing system is for assessing a second charge if the radiofrequency identification device is detected.
 32. The system of claim 28wherein the billing system is for assessing the charge against anaccount associated with the radio frequency identification device. 33.The system of claim 28 wherein the billing system is for determiningwhether a user associated with a payment account has pre-authorized acredit card to be used to add a balance to the payment account.
 34. Amethod for monitoring vehicular activity comprising: receiving one setof image data of a plurality of vehicles entering or leaving a highway;extracting identifying feature data from the image data; assessing afirst charge against a first account if radio frequency ID tag data fora vehicle has been received; and assessing a second charge against asecond account if vehicle identification tag data for the vehicle hasbeen identified in the identifying feature data.
 35. The method of claim34 wherein extracting the identifying feature data from the image datacomprises extracting the vehicle identification tag data of a singlevehicle.
 36. The method of claim 34 wherein assessing the first chargeagainst the first account if the radio frequency ID tag data has beenreceived comprises assessing the first charge against a payment accountassociated with the vehicle identification tag data.
 37. The method ofclaim 34 wherein assessing the second charge against the second accountif vehicle identification tag data for the vehicle has been identifiedin the identifying feature data comprises: determining whether radiofrequency ID tag data has been received; requesting confirmation ofvehicle identification tag data from a watch list using the identifyingfeature data if radio frequency ID tag data has not been received;assessing the second charge against the second account if the radiofrequency ID tag data has not been received or confirmation of thevehicle identification tag data has not been received from the watchlist.
 38. The method of claim 34 further comprising: determining whetheradditional funds are required for the first account; determining whethera user associated with the first account has authorized payment of theadditional funds; and paying the additional funds into the first accountif the user associated with the first account has authorized the paymentof the additional funds.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein paying theadditional funds into the first account if the user associated with thefirst account has authorized the payment of the additional fundscomprises paying the additional funds into the first account from acredit card account if the user associated with the first account hasauthorized the payment of the additional funds
 40. The method of claim37 further comprising: receiving payment in response to a mailed notice;and processing the payment to indicate that the second charge has beenpaid.